Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know

Kratom won’t trip most drug tests, but that doesn’t mean it’s invisible. If someone’s really digging (looking at you, court-ordered screenings), tests like LC-MS/MS can catch mitragynine or 7-hydroxy for up to a week. Whether you’re prepping for pre-employment, the military, or just don’t want to deal with questions, here’s everything you actually need to know

Understanding Kratom’s Detectability

Kratom typically doesn’t show up on a standard 5-panel drug test, but advanced screenings like LC-MS/MS may detect its alkaloids (mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine) for up to 7 days, depending on dose and frequency of use. 

Kratom’s legal gray area raises a lot of questions, and one of the biggest is whether it shows up on a drug test.

Read more: Is Kratom Legal in the US?  

Many Americans use kratom to take the edge off a hard day, relax in the evenings, or get the morning started without the jitters of coffee. But what if you’re facing a job screening? A part of athletics or the military? Or facing court check-ins or bloodwork at the doctor’s office? Then you need science-based answers: Does kratom show up on a drug test?

The short answer? It depends. While kratom isn’t typically screened on most standard drug panels, it can be detected under the right conditions.

Depending on your circumstances, getting flagged for the presence of kratom in your system could raise questions, especially since kratom use can be misunderstood as to how it works. This guide breaks down the science, the risks, and what you can actually do about it. 

We’ll explain how drug tests work, which drug tests may detect kratom, and what factors affect detection so that you can make more informed, confident choices.

Kratom Detection Timeline by Test Type

There are different types of drug tests, each with different detection windows. Here is a guide to those detection windows for kratom, should the drug test you are taking be designed to detect kratom or its alkaloids, like mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH).

Recommended Read: does kratom show up as an opiate?  

How Drug Tests Work

To understand whether kratom shows up on a drug test, it helps to know what those tests are actually looking for.

Most standard workplace screenings, like the common 5-panel or 10-panel tests, are designed to detect specific classes of drugs, not every substance out there. These panels usually focus on:

• Opiates (like heroin or prescription painkillers)

• Cocaine

• Marijuana (THC)

• Amphetamines

• PCP

• Benzodiazepines (in extended panels)

They’re not searching for plant alkaloids like mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are the two main active compounds found in kratom. That’s why kratom won’t show up on most basic drug tests.

But that doesn’t mean it’s completely invisible. Some specialized tests, especially mass spectrometry (MS) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), can detect kratom-specific compounds. These are usually used when there’s a known concern or a request for extended toxicology screening.

According to Safe Haven Behavioral Health, such advanced tests are typically reserved for legal situations, rehabilitation settings, or medical evaluations, rather than standard pre-employment checks. This type of screening may also be performed post-mortem if there is a questionable overdose death, and a full toxicology screening has been requested. 

Want a deeper look at the chemistry behind detection? Check out our analysis of kratom alkaloids.

What Tests Detect Kratom?

While kratom doesn’t usually appear on standard 5-panel drug tests, kratom can be detected if someone is specifically looking for it. Remember that (as with THC cannabis screening) tests may be designed to test for any kratom presence, or to detect the presence of certain alkaloids. 

Here’s a breakdown of the test types that may identify kratom:

1. Extended Drug Panels

Some 10- or 12-panel tests include additional substances like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or synthetic drugs. While kratom still isn’t standard here, a customized panel can include it, especially in sensitive roles like law enforcement or medical practice.

2. Specialized Alkaloid Testing

These tests are designed to detect kratom’s main compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, directly. Labs may use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to pinpoint these alkaloids.

3. Legal or Clinical Screenings

In rehab or court-ordered scenarios, kratom-specific testing may be requested, particularly if its use is tied to a substance-use case or ongoing monitoring.

As ACS Lab notes, even though kratom isn’t federally scheduled, some institutions treat it with the same caution as opioids, especially at high servings or when combined with other substances.

If you're navigating this landscape, staying informed is key. Let’s examine some key factors to consider regarding kratom drug screening and detection.

Factors That Affect Detection

Even if a test can detect kratom, whether it actually shows up depends on several variables, all of which affect how long kratom stays in your system and how easily it’s identified.

1. Your Serving Size and Frequency

How long does kratom stay in your system? This depends mainly on kratom’s half-life and metabolism. Mitragynine’s half-life, for example, is ~7 to 39 hours, according to PubChem, after which its presence in the system begins a rapid decline. Higher servings or frequent use may lead to a longer detection window. If you’re a daily user, kratom’s alkaloids could build up and remain traceable longer than in someone who uses it occasionally.

Understanding your serving size and routine with tools like our Kratom Dosage Guide can help you track your use and avoid surprises.

2. Your Metabolism

Everyone metabolizes plant compounds differently. Age, hydration, liver function, and overall health can all impact how quickly your body processes mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. A good rule of thumb is to stay well hydrated while using kratom to aid in its metabolism.

Kratom and Kava are metabolized in the liver, primarily through the CYP3A4 enzyme. For some drug tests, especially in a medical setting, liver enzymes are screened. If liver enzymes like CYP3A4 are elevated, it could suggest metabolism issues related to several other substances, which you may or may not be taking.

Commonly implicated drugs include:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam)

• Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, fentanyl)

• Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine)

• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclics)

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin)

• Alcohol (chronic use)

• Acetaminophen (especially in high doses)

• Certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin)

Elevated liver enzymes alone don’t confirm the presence of these drugs, but they may prompt broader toxicology screening, especially if symptoms or history suggest multi-substance use. Some kratom users approach this issue with full disclosure, alerting testing staff of kratom use beforehand, depending on the circumstances around the testing.

3. Other Substances Involved

If kratom is used alongside other substances, especially prescription medications or alcohol, there’s a higher chance of drug tests catching the presence of kratom. Drug interactions can complicate your health, too, so it’s always a good idea to ask for your doctor’s advice on using kratom, especially if you drink alcohol, take medications, or have underlying health conditions. These factors may influence how your body processes the plant.

4. Type and Timing of the Test

Blood, saliva, and hair tests have different detection windows. Urine tests are the most common and typically detect substances for up to a few days. Kratom may be traceable for longer if you use it frequently or in high doses. The shorter the time between your last kratom dose and the day of your drug test, the more likely kratom will still be in your system. 

5. Product Quality and Contamination

Poorly made or untested kratom products could contain synthetic additives or contaminants that trigger unexpected flags. Not only may these be unhealthy for you to consume, the science of how these molecules are metabolized in the body is pretty much nonexistent, warranting many agencies to warn against their use. 

The FDA emphasizes the need for responsible sourcing and use, especially when safety and compliance are on the line. It’s critical to choose clean, transparent kratom formulas that are thoroughly lab-tested, with their testing data available for your viewing. This way, you can use your favorite kratom and kava products with more confidence as to their safety and predictable, more well-understood metabolism.

What You Can Do

If you’re using kratom and have an upcoming drug test, chill. You’re probably fine. But here's what you actually need to know before someone brings you a cup to pee in.

• Know Your Test: If you’re able to ask, find out what kind of drug panel will be used. Most standard pre-employment tests won’t screen for kratom, but court-ordered or clinical settings might.

• Time Your Use Thoughtfully: Kratom’s alkaloids can stay in your system for a few days, especially if used regularly. If possible, give your body time to process and clear it before testing.

• Choose Clean, Tested Products: Avoid contaminated or adulterated kratom. Products made with third-party testing and transparent sourcing, such as those from Real Botanicals, offer greater confidence and control. That means no synthetic additives and no mystery compounds that could raise flags.

• Stay Informed: Stay up to date on kratom legality and testing trends with trusted sources like the American Kratom Association and state-specific guidelines. 

• Be Honest (When Appropriate): In certain healthcare or legal settings, transparency may work in your favor. If kratom is part of your wellness routine, explaining its use respectfully can help avoid misunderstandings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will kratom show up on a 5-panel drug test?

Nope. The standard 5-panel tests look for THC, coke, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP—not plant alkaloids like mitragynine. Unless you’re getting the deluxe drug test package, you’re probably in the clear. Be sure to check out our guide to does kava show up on a drug test. 

Can specialized tests detect kratom?

Yes. Advanced drug tests, such as GC-MS or LC-MS/MS, can detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the primary alkaloids in kratom. These tests are typically used in legal, clinical, or rehab settings.

How long does kratom stay in your system?

It depends on how much you take and how often. Light users may be clear in 1–3 days, while daily users can have traces for up to a week (maybe 9 days max). Stay hydrated and give it time.

Can kratom cause a false positive?

Not usually. Pure kratom doesn’t mimic other substances. But if you’re using janky, low-quality stuff with random fillers? That’s a different story. Stick to lab-tested brands like ours.

Should I stop taking kratom before a drug test?

If you’re unsure what kind of test you’ll face, it’s smart to stop for several days beforehand. Giving your body time to clear it out offers peace of mind and reduces risk. Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolize any remaining kratom compounds and their associated liver enzymes.

What kind of tests can detect kratom?

Only advanced ones—think GC-MS or LC-MS/MS—that are usually done in rehab, legal settings, or hardcore medical evaluations. These tests look directly for mitragynine and 7-hydroxy.

Final Thoughts

So, does kratom show up on a drug test? Most of the time, no, but sometimes, yes.

If you’re using pure, lab-tested kratom products and facing a standard drug screen, the odds are on your side. But if you're entering a legal or clinical setting with more advanced testing, it’s worth knowing the risks.

Kratom isn’t inherently something to hide, but it’s still misunderstood in many places, and the laws (and lab policies) aren’t always up to date.

Your best strategy? Stay informed. Choose clean products—like our kratom capsules or kava and kratom shots. And be thoughtful about timing and context.

And if you're looking for kratom options you can trust, Real Botanicals is here with transparent sourcing, smart formulas with advanced extraction methods, and a clear commitment to helping you feel good, without guesswork.

For more insights on how kratom interacts with your body and what to expect, check out this breakdown from Keystone Lab.